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Police propose 'no-left-turn' pilot at Westridge to ease school dismissal; parents urge study
Summary
Police presented a proposal to make the 1st Street–Ridge Avenue intersection right-turn-only during school arrival and dismissal (proposed 8:00–9:30 a.m. and 2:30–4:00 p.m.) and to dismiss some grades at the school's back entrance; residents urged an independent traffic study and raised pedestrian-safety and sidewalk concerns.
Park Ridge police presented a package of measures to reduce congestion and improve safety at Westridge (and Eastbrook) elementary schools, proposing time-limited traffic restrictions and a modified dismissal pattern.
Captain Morrow described choke points at 1st Street and Ridge Avenue caused by multiple crosswalks, vehicles coming over a hill and heavy dismissal volumes. He proposed a pilot 'no left turn' / 'right turn only' restriction during school hours — suggested hours were 8:00–9:30 a.m. and 2:30–4:00 p.m. — and the option of dismissing some grades (5th and 6th) from the back of the school with teachers posted to marshal students. "We saw that 1st Street from Ridge Avenue back to the school gets backed up during their dismissal because everybody's trying to get out at the same time," Captain Morrow said, noting a 15–25 minute peak period and roughly "340, I think, or 350 kids." He emphasized a planned education period and spot enforcement rather than immediate tickets.
Several residents who live near the planned alternate routes strongly cautioned the council that relocating traffic would shift congestion and increase pedestrian risk where sidewalks are missing or deteriorated. Krista Harrick (7 Begum Trail) said walking routes on Leech and 2nd have blind spots and no sidewalks and warned that releasing older students from the back could increase pedestrian exposure: "While this might be a more efficient way of getting cars in and out, it might be safer for the cars. It is not. I do not believe it's going to be safer for the pedestrians of us." Amanda Lorenz and other residents requested an independent traffic count and argued that narrow streets and parked trucks on 2nd Street could make right-only routing impractical without additional measures such as temporary no-parking zones during dismissal hours.
Council members and police agreed on next steps that include further coordination with Principal Bolero and the Board of Education, outreach to neighbors beyond social media, additional site reviews, and consideration of an initial trial limited to afternoon dismissal. Council members noted the borough lacks authority over school property and said they would seek Board of Education input about walkways and long-term site fixes.
The council did not adopt an ordinance at the meeting; police recommended beginning with signage and an education period, then evaluating the pilot and adjusting times or enforcement as needed.
